Time to do moreLeader: Breast cancer patients deserve better (10th November 2002).

What breast cancer patients expectThe Observer's campaign partners, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, have produced a draft pledge for the care which the NHS should promise to every woman diagnosed with breast cancer (10th November 2002).

The Observer guide to Breast cancer treatment was published in October in association with Dr Foster and Breast Cancer Care. These pages include the articles from the special supplement - we no longer hold web rights for the guide pages themselves, and so they can no longer be read on this site.

Getting through the worstWhat began as a routine test early last year turned into weeks and months of fear and emotion for Linda France. Supported by family, friends and nursing staff, she found some spirited ways of dealing with the prospect of mastectomy.

Taking up the cause célèbreCelebrity-fronted campaigns have certainly raised general awareness about breast cancer. But youth and glamour might not always be the most best tactic for reaching high-risk groups of women, says Miranda McMinn.

It's all in the genesMajor advances in drug therapy have made breast cancer survivable if detected early enough. The next breakthrough will come from genetics research, reports The Observer's health correspondent Jo Revill.

The future's brighterThe Observer's breast cancer care survey shows that the UK's services are improving. This first public audit highlights regional variations in care and where there is room for further improvement.

More information: external links

www.breastcancercare.org.ukBreast Cancer Care is the national organisation offering information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

www.drfoster.co.ukDr Foster offers independent and authoritative guides to health care services. The Observer Guide to Breast Cancer Care was produced in association with Dr Foster. Visit the Dr Foster site for more information about Dr Foster guides.